Battery pack

Abstract

This prevents incorrect connection of each connection terminal to either the positive or negative terminal. [Solution] The battery pack 10 has an outer casing 12 that houses a storage battery inside, a bottom member 18, a columnar negative terminal 41, and a columnar positive terminal 51. The positive terminal connection terminal 81 that connects to the positive terminal 51 cannot be fitted to the negative terminal 41 but can be fitted to the positive terminal 51, and the negative terminal connection terminal 71 that connects to the negative terminal 41 cannot be fitted to the positive terminal 51 but can be fitted to the negative terminal 41.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a terminal structure of a control valve type lead battery having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal on the upper part of a lid, in which a core metal having an internal thread for at least one of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal is embedded in the lid, and the height of the upper surface of the core metal is provided lower than the height of the upper surface of the lid and / or the upper surface of the resin part, and the terminal structure of the control valve type lead battery is characterized in that it is recessed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the lid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, electric vehicles (xEVs) such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have been spreading, and with the increase in the number of automobiles equipped with various functions such as an automatic door opening and closing function and an automatic activation function of a car navigation power supply, the amount of power supplied to equipment during parking has been increasing, and the importance of a dedicated auxiliary battery separate from the battery for engine starting responsible for the above power supply has been increasing. When assembling this dedicated auxiliary battery to a vehicle, incorrect connection between the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side leads to vehicle defects due to a short circuit of electronic devices or the like, and thus countermeasures are required.

[0005] This disclosure aims to prevent incorrect connection of each connection terminal to a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery pack according to the first embodiment comprises a columnar positive terminal and a columnar negative terminal, wherein a fitting portion corresponding to the positive terminal or the negative terminal is provided at least one of the positions on the surrounding structure of the positive terminal that is not coaxial with the positive terminal, and the position on the surrounding structure of the negative terminal that is not coaxial with the negative terminal, such that a positive terminal connecting terminal connected to the positive terminal cannot be fitted to the negative terminal but can be fitted to the positive terminal, or a negative terminal connecting terminal connected to the negative terminal cannot be fitted to the positive terminal but can be fitted to the negative terminal.

[0007] In this battery pack, the positive terminal that connects to the positive terminal cannot be mated to the negative terminal but can be mated to the positive terminal, or the negative terminal that connects to the negative terminal cannot be mated to the positive terminal but can be mated to the negative terminal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect connection of each terminal to the positive or negative terminal.

[0008] In a second embodiment, the battery pack according to the first embodiment is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure that faces the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0009] In this battery pack, the mating portion is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure facing the end of the corresponding positive or negative terminal, thereby suppressing rotation of the terminals and preventing deformation or damage.

[0010] A third embodiment is a battery pack according to the second embodiment, wherein the mating portion is a protrusion provided to mat with a recess formed at the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0011] In this battery pack, the mating portion is a protrusion that is designed to fit into a recess formed on the end of the corresponding positive or negative terminal, thereby suppressing rotation of the terminals and preventing deformation or damage.

[0012] A fourth embodiment is a battery pack according to the second embodiment, wherein the mating portion is a recess provided to mat with a protrusion formed on the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0013] In this battery pack, the mating portion is a recess that is designed to fit with a protrusion formed on the end of the corresponding positive or negative terminal, thereby suppressing rotation of the terminals and preventing deformation or damage.

[0014] A fifth embodiment is a battery pack according to the first embodiment, wherein the mating portion is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure that faces the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0015] In this battery pack, the mating portion is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure that faces the corresponding positive or negative terminal, thereby suppressing rotation of the terminals and preventing deformation or damage.

[0016] The sixth aspect is a convex portion provided in the battery pack according to the fifth aspect so as to fit into a recess formed on the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0017] In this battery pack, the mating portion is a protrusion that is designed to fit into a recess formed on the surface of the corresponding positive or negative terminal, thereby suppressing rotation of the terminals and preventing deformation or damage.

[0018] The seventh aspect is a battery pack according to the fifth aspect, wherein the mating portion is a recess provided to mat with a protrusion formed on the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

[0019] In this battery pack, the mating portion is a recess that is designed to engage with a protrusion formed on the surface of the corresponding positive or negative terminal. This suppresses rotation of the terminals, thereby preventing deformation and damage.

[0020] The assembled battery according to the eighth aspect includes a cylindrical positive electrode terminal and a cylindrical negative electrode terminal having a different diameter from the positive electrode terminal.

[0021] In this assembled battery, a positive electrode connection terminal connected to the positive electrode terminal can be fitted to the positive electrode terminal but cannot be fitted to the negative electrode terminal, or a negative electrode connection terminal connected to the negative electrode terminal can be fitted to the negative electrode terminal but cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal. Therefore, incorrect connection of each connection terminal to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal can be prevented.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, incorrect connection of each connection terminal to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the assembled battery according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a negative electrode connection terminal and a positive electrode connection terminal are fixed to the assembled battery according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] (A) is a top view and a perspective view showing the periphery of the negative electrode terminal of the assembled battery. (B) is a top view and a perspective view showing the periphery of the positive electrode terminal of the assembled battery. [Figure 4] (A) is a top view and a perspective view showing the negative electrode connection terminal. (B) is a top view and a perspective view showing the positive electrode connection terminal. [Figure 5] (A) is a perspective view showing a state in which a negative electrode connection terminal is connected to the negative electrode terminal. (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which a positive electrode connection terminal is connected to the positive electrode terminal. [Figure 6] (A) is a front view showing a state in which a negative electrode connection terminal (or a positive electrode connection terminal) is connected to a negative electrode terminal (or a positive electrode terminal). (B) is a front view showing a state in which a negative electrode connection terminal (or a positive electrode connection terminal) is fixed to a negative electrode terminal (or a positive electrode terminal). [Figure 7](A) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 1. (B) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (A). (C) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 2. (D) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (C). [Figure 8] (A) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 3. (B) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (A). (C) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 4. (D) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (C). (E) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 5. (F) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (E). [Figure 9] (A) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification 6. (B) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (A). (C) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification 7. (D) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (C). [Figure 10] (A) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 8. (B) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (A). (C) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 9. (D) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (C). (E) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal according to Modification Example 10. (F) is a top view and perspective view showing a negative connection terminal that can be connected to the negative terminal of (E). [Figure 11] (A) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the negative terminal of the battery pack according to Modification 11. (B) is a top view and perspective view showing the area around the positive terminal of the battery pack according to Modification 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 shows the state in which a negative electrode connection terminal 71 and a positive electrode connection terminal 81 are fixed to the negative electrode terminal 41 and positive electrode terminal 51 of the battery pack 10, respectively. In Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment is, for example, a battery specifically for auxiliary equipment in a vehicle, and has an outer casing 12 that houses the battery, a bottom member 18, a columnar negative electrode terminal 41, and a columnar positive electrode terminal 51.

[0026] The exterior body 12 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, having a rectangular ceiling portion 12A and side wall portions 12B extending downward from the four sides of the ceiling portion 12A, with the bottom of Figures 1 and 2 being open.

[0027] The bottom member 18 has a bottom plate portion 18A and a side wall portion 18B erected in an annular shape around the bottom plate portion 18A. The height of the side wall portion 18B is set to be less than the height of the outer casing 12. The height of the outer casing 12 is greater than the diameter of the battery, and the battery is housed inside the outer casing 12 on the bottom plate portion 18A.

[0028] An electrode plate 42 that is electrically conductive with the negative terminal 41 and an electrode plate 52 that is electrically conductive with the positive terminal 51 are arranged on the upper surface of the front side wall portion 18B1 of the bottom member 18.

[0029] The electrode plate 42 has its end positioned on the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1 and is connected to a circuit board located inside the casing 12. The electrode plate 52 also has its end positioned on the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1 and is connected to a circuit board located inside the casing 12. In addition, on the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1 between the negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 51, there are fixing portions 61 that extend vertically from one side of the electrode plate 42 on the positive terminal 51 side and one side of the electrode plate 52 on the negative terminal 41 side, with a flat upper surface. Note that the negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 51 may be positioned in reverse.

[0030] The surrounding structure of the negative terminal 41 has a protrusion 43 formed on the front side wall portion 12B1 of the outer casing 12 surrounding the negative terminal 41, which serves as a fitting portion. Similarly, the surrounding structure of the positive terminal 51 has protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 formed on the front side wall portion 12B1 of the outer casing 12 surrounding the positive terminal 51, which serve as fitting portions.

[0031] Figure 3(A) shows the area around the negative terminal 41, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 3(B) shows the area around the positive terminal 51, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Also, Figure 4(A) shows the negative connection terminal 71 connected to the negative terminal 41, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 4(B) shows the positive connection terminal 81 connected to the positive terminal 51, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 5(A) is a perspective view showing the state where the negative connection terminal 71 is connected to the negative terminal 41, and Figure 5(B) is a perspective view showing the state where the positive connection terminal 81 is connected to the positive terminal 51.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(A), the negative electrode terminal 41 is erected on the electrode plate 42. Below the side wall portion 12B1 surrounding the negative electrode terminal 41, a protrusion 43 is provided that projects forward in a semi-cylindrical shape from the side wall portion 12B1. The protrusion 43 is located at a position not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(B), the positive terminal 51 is erected on the electrode plate 52. Below the side wall portion 12B1 surrounding the positive terminal 51, there are semi-cylindrical protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 that project forward from the side wall portion 12B1. The protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 are located at positions not coaxial with the positive terminal 51.

[0034] Here, "positions not on the coaxial axis" means that the protrusions 43 and 53A1, 53A2, which are the mating parts, are not located on the axis (centerline) of the negative terminal 41 or the positive terminal 51, respectively. The same applies below. Note that Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-236942) describes a recessed portion 8 with a different spatial shape above where the terminal connector is connected, which is located coaxially with the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 4. However, if the mating parts are located coaxially as in Patent Document 1, the connecting terminals may rotate, potentially leading to damage.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4(A), the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 71A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and a semicircular notch recess 71B formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 71 that fits into the protrusion 43 of the side wall portion 12B1.

[0036] In other words, the protrusion 43 has a shape corresponding to the negative electrode connection terminal 71 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and as shown in Figure 5(A), the negative electrode terminal 41 is passed through the through hole 71A of the negative electrode connection terminal 71, and one side 71C of the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is in contact with the fixing part 61, and the protrusion 43 is positioned opposite the recess 71B of the negative electrode connection terminal 71. That is, the protrusion 43 is provided to fit with the recess 71B formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 71.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(B), the positive electrode connection terminal 81 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 81A that penetrates the positive electrode terminal 51, and semicircular notches 81B1 and 81B2 formed at the end of the positive electrode connection terminal 81 that fit into the protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 of the side wall portion 12B1, respectively.

[0038] In other words, the protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 are shaped to correspond to the positive electrode connection terminals 81 that are connected to the positive electrode terminal 51, respectively. As shown in Figure 5(B), the positive electrode terminal 51 is passed through the through hole 81A of the positive electrode connection terminal 81, and one side 81C of the positive electrode connection terminal 81 is in contact with the fixing part 61. The protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 are positioned opposite the recesses 81B1 and 81B2 of the positive electrode connection terminal 81, respectively. That is, the protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 are provided to fit with the recesses 81B1 and 81B2 formed at the end of the positive electrode connection terminal 81, respectively.

[0039] In other words, since the end of the positive terminal 81 that connects to the positive terminal 51 has two recesses, 81B1 and 81B2, it cannot be mated to the negative terminal 41, which has a different position and number of protrusions. That is, the positive terminal 81 that connects to the positive terminal 51 is configured to be able to be mated to the positive terminal 51 but not to the negative terminal 41.

[0040] Furthermore, since the end of the negative electrode connector 71 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 has a recess, as shown in the recess 71B, it cannot be mated to the positive electrode terminal 51, which has a different position and number of protrusions. In other words, the negative electrode connector 71 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 is configured to be able to be mated to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51.

[0041] Figure 6(A) is a front view showing how the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 41. Figure 6(B) is a front view showing the state in which the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is connected to and fixed to the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0042] The negative electrode terminal 41 is, for example, bolt-shaped, and the through-hole 71A of the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is passed through the negative electrode terminal 41 which is erected on the electrode plate 42, and it is fixed with a nut 92 via a washer 91. In this way, the negative electrode connection terminal 71 is connected and fixed to the negative electrode terminal 41. Similarly, the positive electrode terminal 51 is, for example, bolt-shaped, and the through-hole 81A of the positive electrode connection terminal 81 is passed through the positive electrode terminal 51 which is erected on the electrode plate 52, and it is fixed with a nut 92 via a washer 91. In this way, the positive electrode connection terminal 81 is connected and fixed to the positive electrode terminal 51.

[0043] The battery housed in the outer casing 12 and the bottom member 18 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery pack. The outer casing 12 houses, for example, four cylindrical batteries in parallel. Specifically, the batteries are housed inside the outer casing 12.

[0044] The lithium-ion battery pack described above is a rechargeable battery in which, for example, a lithium transition metal composite oxide is used for the positive electrode, a carbon material or lithium titanate is used for the negative electrode, and the electrolyte is composed of a lithium salt (electrolyte) and an organic solvent that dissolves it, and charging and discharging are performed by the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes via the electrolyte. In this way, as long as charging and discharging are performed by the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes via the electrolyte, the materials of the positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte (organic solvent) are not limited to those described above. As the positive electrode material, single or composite metal oxides of cobalt, nickel, or manganese or iron phosphate-based materials can be used. As the negative electrode material, carbon-based materials or alloy-based materials can be used. As the organic solvent, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, etc. can be used.

[0045] A lithium-ion battery pack (single cell) manufactured using the aforementioned materials has a voltage of 2V to 4V, and the voltage of the battery pack 10 can be adjusted by changing the number of lithium-ion battery packs and the connection method (series connection or parallel connection).

[0046] The voltage of the battery pack according to this embodiment is 8V to 20V, may be 10V to 16V, or even 11V to 15V.

[0047] Furthermore, the rated capacity of the battery pack according to this embodiment is 5Ah to 100Ah, may be 8Ah to 50Ah, or even 10Ah to 40Ah.

[0048] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment, the negative terminal 71 connected to the negative terminal 41 is configured so that it cannot be fitted to the positive terminal 51 but can be fitted to the negative terminal 41, and the positive terminal 81 connected to the positive terminal 51 is configured so that it cannot be fitted to the negative terminal 41 but can be fitted to the positive terminal 51. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect connection of the negative terminal 71 to the positive terminal 51 and incorrect connection of the positive terminal 81 to the negative terminal 41.

[0049] Furthermore, in the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment, the protrusions 43, 53A1, and 53A2, which are fitting portions, are provided on the side wall portion 12B1, which is the surface of the surrounding structure facing the end of the corresponding negative electrode connection terminal 71 or positive electrode connection terminal 81. As a result, a force acts to restrain rotational forces, preventing the rotation of each connection terminal when fixing the corresponding connection terminal to each terminal by rotation of a nut 92, etc., thereby suppressing deformation and damage to each terminal and each connection terminal.

[0050] [Differentiation] Figures 7 to 10 show the surrounding structure of the negative electrode terminal 41 and an example of a modified negative electrode connection terminal 71 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment. Figure 11 shows an example of a modified surrounding structure of the negative electrode terminal 41 and positive electrode terminal 51 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment. Although Figures 7 to 10 describe the case where the surrounding structure of the negative electrode terminal 41 and the negative electrode connection terminal 71 are applied, the surrounding structure of the positive electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode connection terminal 81 can be similarly applied.

[0051] (Variation 1) Figure 7(A) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 1, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 7(B) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 101 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 7(A), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7(A), below the side wall portion 12B1 around the negative terminal 41, there are protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 that project forward in a columnar shape from the side wall portion 12B1, having a fan-shaped bottom and top surface, serving as fitting portions. Protrusion 93A2 is provided at the corner where the side wall portion 12B1 and the fixing portion 61 come into contact. Furthermore, protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 are provided at positions that are not coaxial with the negative terminal 41.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7(B), the negative electrode connection terminal 101 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 101A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and recesses 101B1 and 101B2, which are fan-shaped notches formed at both ends of the negative electrode connection terminal 101 and fitted into the protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 of the side wall portion 12B1, respectively.

[0054] In other words, the protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 101 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and are positioned opposite the recesses 101B1 and 101B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 101, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 101A of the negative electrode connection terminal 101 and one side 101C of the negative electrode connection terminal 101 in contact with the fixing part 61. That is, the protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 are provided to fit with the recesses 101B1 and 101B2 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 101, respectively.

[0055] Therefore, the recesses 101B1 and 101B2 of the negative terminal connector 101, which connects to the negative terminal 41, are in a different position and shape from the protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 of the positive terminal 51 described above, and thus cannot be fitted to the positive terminal 51. In other words, the negative terminal connector 101 that connects to the negative terminal 41 is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative terminal 41 but not to the positive terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0056] (Modification 2) Figure 7(C) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 2, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 7(D) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 102 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 7(C), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7(C), below the side wall portion 12B1 around the negative terminal 41, there are protrusions 93A1 and 93A2 that project forward in a columnar shape from the side wall portion 12B1, having a fan-shaped base and top surface, serving as fitting parts. Protrusion 93A2 is provided at the corner where the side wall portion 12B1 and the fixed portion 61 come into contact. Additionally, at the end of the fixed portion 61, there is a protrusion 93A3 that projects forward in a columnar shape from the fixed portion 61, having a fan-shaped base and top surface, serving as fitting parts. Furthermore, protrusions 93A1 to 93A3 are provided at positions that are not coaxial with the negative terminal 41.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7(D), the negative electrode connection terminal 102 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 102A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and recesses 102B1 to 102B3 which are fan-shaped notches formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 102 and which are fitted into the protrusions 93A1 to 93A3, respectively.

[0059] In other words, the protrusions 93A1 to 93A3 are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 102 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and are positioned opposite the recesses 102B1 to 102B3 of the negative electrode connection terminal 102, respectively, when the negative electrode terminal 41 is passed through the through hole 102A of the negative electrode connection terminal 102 and one side 102C of the negative electrode connection terminal 102 is in contact with the fixing part 61. That is, the protrusions 93A1 to 93A3 are provided to fit with the recesses 102B1 to 102B3 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 102, respectively.

[0060] Therefore, the recesses 102B1 to 102B3 of the negative electrode connection terminal 102, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, are in a different position and shape from the protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 of the positive electrode terminal 51 described above, and thus cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 102, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0061] (Variation 3) Figure 8(A) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 3, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 8(B) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 104 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 8(A), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8(A), the side wall portion 12B1 surrounding the negative terminal 41 is provided with a recess 12C, which serves as a fitting portion that recesses backward in a semi-cylindrical shape from the side wall portion 12B1. Furthermore, the recess 12C is provided at a position that is not coaxial with the negative terminal 41.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8(B), the negative electrode connection terminal 104 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 104A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and a semicircular protrusion 104B formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 104 that fits into the recess 12C.

[0064] In other words, the recess 12C has a shape corresponding to the negative electrode connection terminal 104 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and is positioned opposite to the protrusion 104B formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 104, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 104A of the negative electrode connection terminal 104 and one side 104C of the negative electrode connection terminal 104 in contact with the fixing part 61. That is, the recess 12C is provided to fit with the protrusion 104B formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 104.

[0065] Therefore, the protrusion 104B of the negative electrode connection terminal 104 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 104 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0066] (Modification 4) Figure 8(C) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 4, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 8(D) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 105 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 8(C), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8(C), recesses 12C1 and 12C2, which serve as fitting portions, are provided on the side wall portion 12B1 around the negative terminal 41, recessing backward in a semi-cylindrical shape from the side wall portion 12B1. Furthermore, the recesses 12C1 and 12C2 are provided at positions that are not coaxial with the negative terminal 41.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8(D), the negative electrode connection terminal 105 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 105A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and semicircular protrusions 105B1 and 105B2 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 105 that fit into recesses 12C1 and 12C2, respectively.

[0069] In other words, the recesses 12C1 and 12C2 are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 105 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and are positioned opposite to the protrusions 105B1 and 105B2 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 105, respectively, when the negative electrode terminal 41 is passed through the through hole 105A of the negative electrode connection terminal 105 and one side 105C of the negative electrode connection terminal 105 is in contact with the fixing part 61. That is, the recesses 12C1 and 12C2 are provided to fit with the protrusions 105B1 and 105B2 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 105.

[0070] Therefore, the protrusions 105B1 and 105B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 105, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 105, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as those of the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0071] (Variation 5) Figure 8(E) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 5, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 8(F) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 106 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 8(E), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8(E), recesses 12C1 and 12C2 are provided in the side wall portion 12B1 around the negative terminal 41, serving as fitting portions that recess rearward in a semi-cylindrical shape from the side wall portion 12B1. Additionally, a recess 61A is provided in the fixing portion 61, serving as a fitting portion that recesses rearward in a semi-cylindrical shape from the fixing portion 61. Furthermore, the recesses 12C1, 12C2, and 61A are located at positions that are not coaxial with the negative terminal 41.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8(F), the negative electrode connection terminal 106 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 106A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and semicircular protrusions 106B1 to 106B3 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 106 that fit into the recesses 12C1, 12C2, and 61A, respectively.

[0074] In other words, the recesses 12C1, 12C2, and 61A are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 106 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, and are provided at positions opposite to the protrusions 106B1 to 106B3 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 106, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 106A of the negative electrode connection terminal 106. That is, the recesses 12C1, 12C2, and 61A are provided to fit with the protrusions 106B1 to 106B3 formed at the end of the negative electrode connection terminal 106.

[0075] Therefore, the protrusions 106B1 to 106B3 of the negative electrode connection terminal 106, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 106, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0076] (Experimental variation 6) Figure 9(A) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 6, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 9(B) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 107 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 9(A), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9(A), on the mounting surface of the electrode plate 42 of the negative electrode terminal 41, the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1, facing the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 107, is provided with cylindrical fitting portions 18C1 and 18C2 that protrude vertically upward from the mounting surface of the electrode plate 42. Holes 42A1 and 42A2 are formed in the electrode plate 42 at positions corresponding to the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2, and the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2 are configured to penetrate the holes 42A1 and 42A2 of the electrode plate 42. Furthermore, the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2 are provided at positions that are not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9(B), the negative electrode connection terminal 107 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 107A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and circular recesses 107B1 and 107B2 formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 107, which are fitted into the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2, respectively.

[0079] In other words, the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2 are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 107 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 107A of the negative electrode connection terminal 107, and the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2 are positioned opposite the recesses 107B1 and 107B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 107, respectively. That is, the protrusions 18C1 and 18C2 are provided to fit with the recesses 107B1 and 107B2 formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 107, respectively.

[0080] Therefore, the recesses 107B1 and 107B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 107 that connect to the negative electrode terminal 41 do not have protrusions formed on their opposing surfaces and cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51 which has protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 that protrude from the side wall portion 12B1. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 107 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 is configured to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0081] (Example 7) Figure 9(C) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 7, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 9(D) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 108 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 9(C), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9(C), on the mounting surface of the electrode plate 42 of the negative electrode terminal 41, the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1, facing the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 108, is provided with cylindrical fitting portions 18C1 to 18C4 that protrude vertically upward from the mounting surface of the electrode plate 42. Holes 42A1 to 42A4 are formed in the electrode plate 42 at positions corresponding to the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4, and the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4 are configured to penetrate the holes 42A1 to 42A4 of the electrode plate 42. Furthermore, the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4 are provided at positions that are not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9(D), the negative electrode connection terminal 108 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 108A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and circular recesses 108B1 to 108B4 formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 108, which are fitted into the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4, respectively.

[0084] In other words, the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4 are shaped to correspond to the negative electrode connection terminal 108 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 108A of the negative electrode connection terminal 108, and the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4 are positioned opposite the recesses 108B1 to 108B4 of the negative electrode connection terminal 108. That is, the protrusions 18C1 to 18C4 are provided to fit with the recesses 108B1 to 108B4 formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 108.

[0085] Therefore, the recesses 108B1 to 108B4 of the negative electrode connection terminal 108 that connect to the negative electrode terminal 41 do not have protrusions formed on the opposing surfaces and cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51 which has protrusions 53A1 and 53A2 protruding from the side wall portion 12B1. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 108 that connects to the negative electrode terminal 41 is configured to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0086] (Variation 8) Figure 10(A) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 8, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 10(B) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 109 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 10(A), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0087] As shown in Figure 10(A), a recess 42B, which is a semicircular notch serving as a fitting portion, is provided on the end of the electrode plate 42 of the negative electrode terminal 41, on the surface facing the negative electrode connection terminal 109. The recess 42B is located at a position not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10(B), the negative electrode connection terminal 109 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 109A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and a protrusion 109B that protrudes cylindrically from the contact surface with the electrode plate 42 and fits into the recess 42B.

[0089] In other words, the recess 42B is shaped to fit into the negative electrode connection terminal 109 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 109A of the negative electrode connection terminal 109, and is positioned opposite the protrusion 109B of the negative electrode connection terminal 109. That is, the recess 42B is provided to fit into the protrusion 109B formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 109.

[0090] Therefore, the protrusion 109B of the negative electrode connection terminal 109, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 109, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well. Note that a recess continuous with the recess 42B of the electrode plate 42 may be provided at the end of the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1.

[0091] (Extreme variation 9) Figure 10(C) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 9, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 10(D) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 110 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 10(C), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10(C), recesses 42B1 and 42B2, which are semicircular notches serving as fitting portions, are provided on the end of the negative electrode terminal 41, on the surface facing the negative electrode connection terminal 110. The recesses 42B1 and 42B2 are located at positions that are not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10(D), the negative electrode connection terminal 110 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 110A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and protrusions 110B1 and 110B2 that protrude cylindrically from the contact surface with the electrode plate 42 and are fitted into the recesses 42B1 and 42B2, respectively.

[0094] In other words, the recesses 42B1 and 42B2 are shaped to fit into the negative electrode connection terminal 110 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 110A of the negative electrode connection terminal 110, and the recesses 42B1 and 42B2 are positioned opposite the protrusions 110B1 and 110B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 110, respectively. That is, the recesses 42B1 and 42B2 are provided to fit into the protrusions 110B1 and 110B2 formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 110, respectively.

[0095] Therefore, the protrusions 110B1 and 110B2 of the negative electrode connection terminal 110, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 110, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be able to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as the embodiment described above can be obtained in this modified example as well. In addition, a recess continuous with the recesses 42B1 and 42B2 of the electrode plate 42 may be provided at the end of the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1.

[0096] (Variation 10) Figure 10(E) shows the area around the negative electrode terminal 41 in the modified example 10, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 10(F) shows the negative electrode connection terminal 111 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41 in Figure 10(E), with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10(E), a recess 42C, which is a rectangular notch serving as a fitting portion, is provided on the end of the electrode plate 42 of the negative electrode terminal 41, on the surface facing the negative electrode connection terminal 111. The recess 42C is located at a position not coaxial with the negative electrode terminal 41.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10(F), the negative electrode connection terminal 111 is rectangular in shape and includes a through hole 111A that penetrates the negative electrode terminal 41, and a protrusion 111B that is formed to protrude in a rectangular prism shape from the contact surface with the electrode plate 42 and is fitted into the recess 42C.

[0099] In other words, the recess 42C is shaped to fit into the negative electrode connection terminal 111 connected to the negative electrode terminal 41, with the negative electrode terminal 41 passing through the through hole 111A of the negative electrode connection terminal 111, and the recess 42C is positioned opposite the protrusion 111B of the negative electrode connection terminal 111. That is, the recess 42C is provided to fit into the protrusion 111B formed on the surface of the negative electrode connection terminal 111.

[0100] Therefore, the protrusion 111B of the negative electrode connection terminal 111, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, cannot be fitted to the positive electrode terminal 51, which does not have a recess formed on its opposing surface. In other words, the negative electrode connection terminal 111, which connects to the negative electrode terminal 41, is configured to be fitted to the negative electrode terminal 41 but not to the positive electrode terminal 51. Thus, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well. Note that a recess continuous with the recess 42C of the electrode plate 42 may be provided at the end of the upper surface of the side wall portion 18B1.

[0101] (Variation 11) Figure 11(A) shows the area around the negative terminal 141 used in the battery pack according to Modification 11, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right. Figure 11(B) shows the area around the positive terminal 151 used in the battery pack according to Modification 11, with a top view on the left and a perspective view on the right.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11(A), the negative terminal 141 is cylindrical and erected on the electrode plate 42. As shown in Figure 11(B), the positive terminal 151 is cylindrical and erected on the electrode plate 52.

[0103] The negative terminal 141 and the positive terminal 151 have different diameters. The negative terminal 141 has a smaller diameter than the positive terminal 151. The through-hole of the negative terminal connected to the negative terminal 141 and the through-hole of the positive terminal connected to the positive terminal 151 have diameters corresponding to the negative terminal 141 and the positive terminal 151, respectively.

[0104] Therefore, the negative terminal is configured to be able to pass through the negative terminal 141 but not through the larger diameter positive terminal 151, and the negative terminal is configured to be unable to be mated with the positive terminal 151 but can be mated with the negative terminal 141.

[0105] Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect connection of the negative terminal to the positive terminal 151, or incorrect connection of the positive terminal to the negative terminal 141. Note that the negative terminal 141 and the positive terminal 151 may be arranged in reverse.

[0106] In other words, by combining different positions, numbers, and shapes of mating parts in the surrounding structure of the negative and positive terminals, it is possible to prevent incorrect connection of each terminal to the negative or positive terminal.

[0107] Although an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0108] Furthermore, although the above embodiments were described using lithium-ion batteries as an example, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to lead-acid batteries, zinc batteries, alkaline batteries, etc. Also, although the above embodiments were described using battery packs as an example, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to single cells.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using a case where both the negative terminal and the positive terminal can only be mated to their respective terminals, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if at least one of the negative terminal and the positive terminal can only be mated to their respective terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 battery packs 12 Exterior 18 Bottom member 41 Negative terminal 51 Positive terminal 71 Positive terminal 81 Negative terminal

Claims

1. A columnar positive terminal, It comprises a columnar negative terminal, A mating portion corresponding to the positive terminal or the negative terminal is provided at least one of the following positions on the surrounding structure of the positive terminal that is not coaxial with the positive terminal, and on the surrounding structure of the negative terminal that is not coaxial with the negative terminal, such that a positive terminal connection terminal connected to the positive terminal cannot be mated with the negative terminal but can be mated with the positive terminal, or a negative terminal connection terminal connected to the negative terminal cannot be mated with the positive terminal but can be mated with the negative terminal. Battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the mating portion is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure facing the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the mating portion is a protrusion provided to mate with a recess formed at the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the mating portion is a recess provided to mate with a protrusion formed on the end of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the mating portion is provided on the surface of the surrounding structure that faces the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the mating portion is a protrusion provided to mate with a recess formed on the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the mating portion is a recess provided to mate with a protrusion formed on the surface of the corresponding positive electrode connection terminal or the negative electrode connection terminal.

8. A cylindrical positive terminal, The positive terminal and the cylindrical negative terminal of a different diameter, A battery pack equipped with these features.

Images